OC Test 2026 Dates & Timeline
Updated:
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For parents of Year 4 students applying for Year 5 OC entry in 2027
Key dates at a glance
- Applications open: 6 November 2025
- Applications close: 20 February 2026
- Last day to update details: 13 March 2026
- Test dates: 8-9 May 2026
- Make-up test: 22 May 2026
- Last day to change school choices: 5 June 2026
- Results: Late September 2026 (TBC)
- Accept/decline: Through to January 2027
- OC classes begin: Term 1, 2027
Dates are based on the 2026 OC placement cycle for 2027 entry. Always confirm with the official NSW DoE website.
Complete 2026 OC Timeline
Applications open
6 November 2025
Parents can submit applications via the online portal
Applications close
20 February 2026
Late applications are not accepted. Last day to request reasonable adjustments for the test.
Last day to update details
13 March 2026
Final day for parents to update their details in the application dashboard, including current school
OC Placement Test
8-9 May 2026
Students are allocated to attend one test day only
Make-up Test
22 May 2026
For students who could not attend the main test dates
Last day to change school choices
5 June 2026
Final opportunity to update your school preferences
Placement outcomes released
Late September 2026 (TBC)
Results and placement offers made available to parents
Accept/decline period
Through to January 2027
Parents can accept or decline offers during this window
Year 5 OC classes begin
Term 1, 2027
Successful students start at their allocated OC school
Preparation timeline
With the test in May 2026, here's how to structure your preparation:
6+ months before (Nov 2025 and before)
- Take diagnostic tests to establish baseline
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Build foundational skills
- Establish a regular practice routine
3-6 months before (Dec 2025 - Feb 2026)
- Intensify practice sessions
- Focus on weak areas
- Complete full-length practice tests
- Submit application (closes 20 Feb)
1-3 months before (Mar - Apr 2026)
- Regular timed practice tests
- Refine time management
- Review common question patterns
- Build test-day confidence
Final weeks (May 2026)
- Light review only
- Focus on rest and wellbeing
- Ensure logistics are sorted
- Stay calm and confident
Application checklist
When applications open on 6 November 2025, you'll need:
- Your child's school enrolment details
- Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa
- Your preferred OC schools (you can list multiple preferences)
- Any supporting documentation for disability provisions (if applicable)
Important: Late applications are not accepted. Set a reminder for early February to ensure you don't miss the 20 February 2026 deadline.
Official resources
Related guides & next steps
If this page helped, here's where to go next.
Disclaimer: Dates on this page are based on publicly available information from the NSW Department of Education for the 2026 OC placement cycle (for 2027 entry). The Department may change dates without notice. Always verify dates on the official NSW DoE website before making any decisions.